Hasta La Ideas

Consumerist society’s refuge becomes art in the artist’s second solo show at NYC’s Susan Inglett Gallery

As one of the most unique artists to emerge from the anti-establishment movement of the 1960s, George Herms creates unconventional assemblages from a range of refuse materials. By rescuing civilization’s discards to make art, Herms creates two- and three-dimensional works that prove the point of cause and effect—and, more light-heartedly, that old adage about trash and treasure. Back in NYC for his second solo show at the Susan Inglett Gallery, opening 1 December 2011, Herms offers a selection of work spanning sculpture and collage with the familiar foundation of found objects.

For this series of sculptures, Herms has enlisted society’s more dejected physical objects. Although not necessarily imposing in stature, the powerful sculptures do encourage one to consider the economic and environmental impact of a modern “throw-away” mentality.

The accompanying collages—sourced from his recent exhibition “Xenophilia (Love of the Unknown)” at Los Angeles’ MoCA—are constructed entirely of shredded pieces of Madison Avenue “consumerist propaganda.” These seemingly chaotic layered pieces include everything from a “perfect” set of legs to sports cars, referencing society’s classification of wants against needs.

George Herms’ solo show will be run from 1 December 2011 through 21 January 2012, closing for the holidays between 19 December-3 January. For more information on the exhibition and the artist visit the Susan Inglett Gallery online.

All images courtesy of the Susan Inglett Gallery